Prayer
changes everything. I have not slept well the last couple of nights, no
particular reason, (well, actually, a lot of reasons). When I do not sleep well,
it affects everything. I get weepy, my arthritis pain increases, I just feel
miserable, both physically and emotionally without the proper amount of sleep.
That was the case this morning, I just felt yucky. I had to be up early to take
our fifteen year old dachshund to the vet. That alone is a daunting task. He is
so scared of the vet’s office. I’ve tried to convince him that our vet is a
wonderful lady. I love her, but I guess that is hard to see from his
perspective. I’m always excited to see her, for him, not so much. I always have
to hold him still while they are doing their exam and giving him shots. He
fights me with all of his strength and it wears me out. Well, it was not a
happy experience today. He and I came home exhausted from the appointment, me
with a bum shoulder and the pain associated with that, and him, just a worn out
old dog. I headed for the couch and he headed for his bed. My pain level was so
intense that I started my own little weepy, pity party. I get disgusted with
myself when I act that way, but I have to give myself a little slack because I know
most of the weepiness today was from lack of sleep.
Well, after
a time, I got sick of my pity party and went to my private prayer closet to
talk to the Lord about it. My heart was heavy with several things, including an
upcoming shoulder surgery, and my love and concern for some dear friends of
ours who are in the waiting process of their upcoming adoption of a precious
little girl. I closed the door to my little “prayer closet”, dropped to my
knees and wept before the Lord. Remember that I said that prayer changes everything?
Well, it does, but what usually changes during prayer is not my circumstances,
but the way I look at them, and that is what happened today. As soon as I started
praying, my focus went from my pitiful self-focus, to heart-felt, agonizing
prayer for my dear friends, my family, loved ones and others. I poured my heart
out to God with complete honesty, begging Him on behalf of my friends, asking
for His help in every circumstance that concerns me, reminding Him of His
goodness and promises and pleading with Him to intervene. Soon, my prayers
turned into deep worship and adoration for Him and genuine thankfulness for His
goodness. It was such an incredible time. My weeping turned to joy and my fear
turned to peace.
After
finishing my prayer time, I picked up a couple of my favorite devotion books,
and my Bible and began reading. The devotions led me to several Scriptures that
blessed my heart and that spoke directly to what I had talked to God about. I
continue to be amazed when He speaks directly to me through His written Word.
It really is alive and active in my life! It is always relevant and useful in
my life. He uses His Word to teach and guide me. He has walked with us through
so many circumstances and He promises that He will NEVER leave us or forsake us
and He never does. When I left out of that little quiet place of prayer, my
attitude was completely different. My tears were tears of joy, hope, trust and
thankfulness rather than tears of pain, fear, doubt and self-focus. He is so
faithful. His grace and mercy continue to amaze me.
Well, just
as I requested this morning in my prayer, He gave me courage and strength to
get through this day, He gave Me His Word to guide me, He continues to bless,
grant peace and show favor to my dear friends who are adopting, He eased the
pain in my body enough that I was able to enjoy and complete the tasks which I needed
to get done today and He even sent a few people my way today just to encourage
me in surprising ways. He is so good. I am truly grateful that He has taught us
in His Word how to pray and that He allows us to communicate directly with Him.
We even have a Great Intercessor that intercedes to the Father on our behalf. That
is incredible!
I’ll end this the same way I
started - prayer changes everything, but mostly it changes our attitude. When we
pray, our circumstances may not change right away, but, He will give us what we
need to walk through them until they do. Have you spent any time quietly
talking with the Lord lately? He is waiting for you. His heart is
open and ready to listen. He loves to hear from us. I’ve included the Scriptures
that He sent me this morning. I hope that they encourage you. God bless and
thanks for reading!
“And my God will meet
all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
“For our light and
momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs
them all” 2 Corinthians 4:17(NIV)
“Do not be afraid.
Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today… The
Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13-14 (NIV)
“Be strong and
courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your
God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
(NIV)
